Gritty WR can step in after loss of Edelman

The Patriots always seem to be ahead of the curve, a step ahead of the rest.

When Bill Belichick snagged Chris Hogan from Buffalo last year, some may have wondered what he had in mind. Why get another guy who’s just like the rest? Why get a player so similar to Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola?

Let’s just call it a slick and savvy move, and not just because Edelman’s been lost for the season with a torn ACL.

Hogan is ready to have a great year, and that may have happened regardless of what took place with Edelman Friday night in Detroit. But with Tom Brady’s goto guy now sidelined, Hogan is primed to step into the spotlight and be that next guy to emerge.

The 6-foot-1 wide receiver has the versatility to do many of the same things as Edelman. We’ve already seen it during training camp, joint practice sessions with the Jaguars and Texans, and preseason games. Tight end Dwayne Allen calls Hogan, “Mr. Perfect,” and Brady is certainly in need of someone with that moniker.

For his part, Hogan already has started planting the seed that he’s not only going to be a go-to guy for Brady, but the next star of this offense.

Hogan, 28, has made himself a dependable target, and his chemistry with Brady has stood out since the beginning of training camp. He’s qualified to be the bailout guy on third down, that clutch chain mover, and someone you need to get open in a pinch.

Let’s remember, no one thought Wes Welker could be replaced in 2013, but Edelman unexpectedly came on like a freight train, and since then, has been Brady’s most reliable and clutch offensive weapon.

Now it’s Hogan’s time to take the baton and shine. He certainly stood out Friday night in the aftermath of Edelman’s season-ending injury. He had four catches for 70 yards and a pair of touchdowns, all in the first half.

The four catches clearly demonstrated Hogan’s versatility and ability. The first was a red-zone touchdown reception of 7 yards,